How much light for 2.5ft deep tank

[INCISOR]

Just in the process of setting up a tank and need to finalise details on lighting was thinking of 3x250w mh with twin 80w actinics to go over 8ft x 2 ft tank mainly sps corals going in or would you recomend 400w bulbs would you suggest 4 x 250 in 2 x twin units ? or 3 or 4 400w alos bulb choice ? 3 or 4 14k or 2 10k and 1 or 2 20 k bulbs ??

thanks for any suggestions / advice

Simon

[keith hellyar]

I have 2 x 250w over a 5x2 tank and have been successful with SPS. 3 x250 over an 8 footer is probably pushing it a bit. 4 would be better unless you want to take advantage of some less bright areas for softies and LPS.

I think its a case of reaping what you sow with lighting. As a generalisation, the more the better. Some would advocate 400w for SPS systems.

Keith

[dan-the-man]

I would say its dependant on the reflectors to be honest. Go for the lumenarcs if you can as they always seem the best. You could probably get away with 250w if you get them.

I'd go for the 14k's everytime but its just the colour I like.

HTH
Dan

[nasotang]

on that size tank would go for 4x250w(with 10'000k bulbs as they pack more of a punch)

or if running cost isnt an issue then 3-4x400w

Nick

[INCISOR]

cheers for all of the advice am going to give it a try with 3x250 and twin actinics to start with with 13k bulbs suppose can always upgrade later if things aint growing well

thanks again

simon

[Saj]

Hi Simon, i've got a 7ftx30"x30" which i use 2x250w halides as my tank is a lps dominated tank. I think the most important aspect is the reflector you use to harnes the light wattage you choose.

I use a super nove reflector and it gives me a really good spead of light.

http://www.hydroleaf.com/hydroponics/supernova/reflector/p-727.html


Your welcome to havea look at my setup and lights as i live local - coventry.

Saj

[INCISOR]

thanks saj ill have a look at those reflectors and ive been told the lumen arcs are pretty good too but i'm going to give the unit ive been given a bash first to find out how all settles down and then maybe upgrade at a later date
cheers
Simon

[blub]

i would suggest a 400W halide